South East Radio Journalist Selected for Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme

South East Radio journalist David Corish is among ten graduates selected for this year’s Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme.

David has joined South East Radio as part of the five-month paid placement programme, which gives journalism graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in live radio newsrooms.

The programme is jointly funded by Learning Waves, Coimisiún na Meán and Skillnet Ireland, combining practical newsroom experience with industry-led training and development.

The ten graduates will work alongside experienced journalists, producers and broadcasters at independent radio stations around the country, gaining experience across radio, online and mobile platforms.

The programme was officially launched at the WLR FM studios in Waterford.

This year’s participants are:

• David Corish – South East Radio
• Jack Massey – East Coast FM
• Lily Kennedy – Beat
• Lauren Scates – Mid West Radio
• Owain Comerford Jones – KCLR
• Millie Reid – Newstalk
• Liam Timmins – Live 95FM
• Pádraig Corrigan – Northern Sound
• Daniel Boyne – Midlands 103
• Dylan Hudson – Galway Bay FM

David’s placement at South East Radio will see him develop his skills in a busy working newsroom, covering stories and issues affecting communities across Wexford and the wider South East.

This year’s intake comes as the programme celebrates the success of one of its recent graduates.

East Coast FM journalist Jamie Ryan, who completed the Learning Waves Journalism Graduate Programme in 2025, was named winner of the Gay Byrne Award for Best Newcomer at the 2026 IMRO Radio Awards in Kilkenny.

Teresa Hanratty, Network Director of Learning Waves Skillnet, said developing new talent is hugely important to the future of independent radio in Ireland.

She said the programme gives graduates the opportunity to work in a live newsroom, learn from experienced journalists and broadcasters and develop their skills through practical experience.

More than 90% of graduates from the programme over the past three years have remained in radio, with Hanratty saying Jamie Ryan’s recent award demonstrates the quality of talent coming through the programme.